Photo by Brendon Thorne-www.fiveaa.com.au

I was watching the live coverage of Jessica Watson’s homecoming last Sunday.  The last three hours of her journey back to Sydney harbor was incredibly exciting.  It was the completion of a young 16-year old girl’s dream to navigate around the world with her 10-meter boat Pink Lady.

The navigation lasted for 210 days.  Her travel was supported by her parents and siblings.  When I heard the news about this girl seven months ago, I was hesitant to believe that she was capable of doing it.  I was also shocked with the way her parents approved of her plan to navigate around the world.  It was incredible!

Jessica Watson’s message “Nothing is impossible if you believe and work hard on it” has inspired many, young and old alike.  She is very thankful to her parents who believed in her before anybody else did.  She is thankful for the freedom that her parents gave her to let her realize her dream.

As of to date, Jessica is the youngest person to ever navigate the world ‘unassisted’.

I admire this girl, but I think that my admiration to her parents is of thousand fold.  From the start Jessica started her navigation her parents lived with their hearts out of their body.  But they firmly believe she can make it.  And she did!  I cannot imagine myself letting my daughter go and navigate the world all on her own.  I think I should have an incredible faith…yet, I still cannot imagine how I will be able to do that.  Until now, I am definite I can’t.  I can’t…not because I don’t believe in my daughter’s abilities but I don’t think I have enough courage to face the world if something bad happens.  It is not the lack of belief in God either that nothing is impossible…  And I know God will understand.

Unbelievable people…admirable girl…incredible faith of parents to their daughter.  Amazing….